Therapeutic Benefits of Rocking

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Rocking is known to release endorphins, which help reduce anxiety. It is particularly helpful in mid-stage dementia patients, as they are very difficult to calm; rocking helps reduce their pain and soothes them. These diseases that are found in the elderly can be very arduous; rocking helps improve the overall health and well-being of such patients.

ADHD and ADD
It has been found that children as well as adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are able to focus better when on a rocking chair. This is because the individual's need to keep moving is fulfilled by the rocking of the chair and they can concentrate better.

Arthritis
Rocking is found to be helpful for people suffering from arthritis. Rocking for about an hour everyday fastens recovery in patients, by improving the flexibility of the knees and strengthening muscles around the knees.

Back Pain
A rocking chair along with some exercises benefits people with back pain, especially those who have pain due to a bulging disc or a herniated disc. The exercise to do is - rock for 5 minutes by using only your feet and not your back, for the next 5 minutes rock using only your toes and finally rock for another 5 minutes using only the heels of your feet. President, John. F. Kennedy Jr., used a rocking chair for his chronic lower back condition, on being advised by a doctor.

Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be prevented by rocking, as the blood circulation improves due to constant movement on the chair. It is especially useful for people who do not lead a very active life.

Post Surgery Recovery
Rocking has been found to help patients recover after an operation. After most surgeries, patients suffer from bowel dysfunction, it has been seen that rocking helps patients resume bowel activity sooner. Rocking helps reduce pain after an abdominal hysterectomy. In addition, it also helps patients to recover from a knee surgery.

Pregnancy
A rocking chair is helpful during different stages of pregnancy and even after delivery, in the following ways.

Rocking for a couple of minutes during pregnancy helps in the development of the nervous system of the fetus.

Back pain and varicose veins can be prevented during pregnancy by rocking for a few minutes every day.

It is helpful for women who have had a cesarean section, they have less gas and pain and recover faster.

It is useful to relax children, especially those who suffer from colic. It will reduce crying and put the child off to sleep.

It is a great place for mothers to breastfeed their child, the chair offers good support and relaxes the mother.

Weight Loss
You can lose up to 150 calories an hour by rocking on a chair. It is very useful for people who cannot do weight bearing exercises, to tone their legs. By rocking on a chair, you will be working your muscles and hence toning them. It is also beneficial to improve the body posture.

Benefits for the Elderly
Many elders like rocking on a chair, they may not be aware of the benefits, but they are actually improving their health. Rocking reduces anxiety in seniors; it has been seen that those who rock regularly need less or no medication to deal with depression related issues. Rocking also improves balancing skills in the elderly and prevents accidents due to falling. It is also a great exercise for those who are inactive.